The A-Z guide to Ohio Workers' Comp

Ohio Workers’ Comp Insurance

Name: Workers' Compensation Insurance for Ohio
Brand: Kickstand Insurance
Rating: 5 (37 reviews)

Ohio workers’ comp insurance law requires that businesses with even one employee provide workers’ compensation. Keep reading to find out all the nuances that apply to business in Ohio when it comes to workers’ comp insurance.

Required with

1 employee

Sole Proprietors are not required to be covered.

Part-time and seasonal workers should included in the policy.

Is workers’ comp insurance required in Ohio?

Yes, all businesses with employees, even if there is only one, need to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. This protects the workers if they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In addition, employees must be covered on their first day of employment.

Do you need workers’ compensation coverage if you’re self-employed?

No, there is no requirement to have workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio if you are self-employed. This applies to sole proprietors operating as an LLC or partners in businesses that are exempt.

Who is exempt from Ohio workers’ comp insurance requirements?

Most businesses will need to provide workers’ compensation insurance, but there are few exemptions to be aware of. Associate or ordained ministers of religious organizations exercising their ministries and Volunteers other than public employees do not need to have workers’ comp insurance.

How much is workers’ comp coverage in Ohio?

Your Ohio workers’ comp rate will depend on the following factors:

The type of business you have
The size of your payroll
Your safety record
Claim history

How can Ohio small business owners save money on workers' comp?

While strict Ohio workers’ compensation laws are in place, small business owners can often get coverage in different ways to avoid paying too much for the insurance policy.

Some of the best ways to reduce your costs include:

Make sure all your workers are classified correctly
Use the dividends from your yearly audit to save on premiums
Begin an employee safety training program
Create a return-to-work program for workers who have been injured

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How does workers’ comp work in OH?

Unlike most states where you can get a policy from an insurance company, in Ohio, all workers’ comp insurance is through the state fund.

The state fund will calculate the premiums based on your estimated annual payroll. Then you sign the papers and start the policy.

Each policy usually lasts for 12 months. After the term, the payroll is audited to determine whether you have overpaid or underpaid and get a refund or a bill for the difference.

What does workers’ comp cover in Ohio?

Workers who file a workers' comp claim in Ohio can receive benefits for the following:

Medical bills

Lost Wages

Death Benefits

Workers' comp coverage also protects employers from legal action. This means that if an employee sues your business because of a workplace injury, the insurance will cover the legal costs of the case.

How to get workers’ comp insurance in Ohio?

The first is to use a state-administered fund. This is in place of a regular insurance company like most other states.

Businesses that use the state fund will pay premiums to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). When workers are injured, the BWC pays the benefits directly to those people.

Businesses who are large enough and who prefer not to use the state-funded program can choose to be self-insured. This means the business assumes all the risks of claims related to their employees' work injuries.

Self-insured employers pay benefits to the employees directly. However, not everyone can choose to be self-insured. There are many requirements for a business to become self-insured.

What can happen if I don’t have workers’ comp insurance in Ohio?

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation will try to recover unpaid premiums from businesses with even a single uncovered employee. In addition, employers who don’t purchase proper coverage will need to pay flat rate penalties of $30 for each unpaid premium and 15% of the amount for each month they were uninsured.

If an employer still does not cooperate, legal action can be taken against them in civil or criminal court. A non-compliant business can be used for penalties and premiums and may even be charged with theft or fraud.

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FAQS

What are workers’ comp death benefits in OH?

A deceased worker’s children and spouse can receive death benefits in Ohio. If no dependents are present, only the funeral benefit is paid out. The maximum amount for the funeral benefit is $5,500.

On top of that, 67% of the average weekly wage can be provided. The minimum for this benefit is $475, and the maximum is $950 weekly.

Death benefits are at the state’s discretion, so there is no set time limit. The exception is if the spouse remarries or dies. Benefits can also end when a child reaches 19 (or 25 if they are a student.) Disabled children receive benefits for life or until the disability ends.

How do workers’ comp settlements work in OH?

In most cases, Ohio workers’ comp settlements are a one-time lump sum. However, there are some situations where structured payments can be made. The settlement amount will depend on the exact circumstances of the claim.

What are the statutes of limitations regarding workers’ comp in OH?

In Ohio, you have one year from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits. This also applies when learning of a work-related condition. If you file later on, you may not be entitled to benefits.

How do I get a workers’ comp insurance policy with Kickstand Insurance?

Start by filling out a short online form about your business. We’ll use that info to get you an estimated quote. Then, one of our experienced agents will contact you to review the quote and make sure you are getting the absolutely lowest rate possible for your business. Once the quote is finalized, you’re ready to buy the policy - often with coverage starting that day!

Ready: Fill out an online form. It only takes 5 minutes!
Set: One of our agents will contact you to review the quote.
Go: You can get covered starting today!

Why use Kickstand to
get workers' comp insurance?

Speed + Service + Experts

Document with workers’ compensation insurance quote surrounded by insurance icons

Unlike other online insta-quote systems,
here your quote is reviewed by experts

Why does it matter?

Avoid surprise bills at audit
Make sure all your employees are properly covered
Protect yourself from lawsuits

What do we check?

Business categorized correctly
Employees job roles
Special discount opportunities